Download Gerund Jobs - Polk School District

Gerund Functions in a Sentence
Part 2
Standard
ELACC8L1: Demonstrate command of the
conventions of standard English grammar and
usage when writing or speaking.
a. Explain the function of verbals (gerunds,
participles, infinitives) in general and their
function in particular sentences.
Remember
Gerunds are verbals that act like nouns and end
in “ING”
Functions in the Sentence
Since gerunds act like nouns, gerunds and
gerund phrases get to do the same things that
nouns do, including:
• Subject
• Direct Object
• Indirect Object
• Object of a Preposition
• Predicate Noun
• Appositive
Gerunds as Direct Objects
Gerunds/Gerund Phrases can be direct objects
when they tell what is receiving the action.
Ex. I love playing baseball after school.
Ex. I enjoy eating a big meal on Thanksgiving.
Hint
Hint: Usually when a gerund or gerund phrase
comes after an Action verb, it is a direct
object.
Ex. Laura likes baking muffins for her family.
Gerunds as Indirect Objects
Gerunds/Gerund phrases can be indirect
objects when they tell who/what gets the
DO.
This is very unusual, but it can happen.
Ex. I gave loving you a chance.
Ex. I gave reading the book a solid effort.
Hint
Hint: Gerunds are only indirect objects if they
come between an AV and a DO and tell what
gets the DO.
Ex. I gave dancing a try.
Gerunds as Predicate Nouns
Gerunds can be predicate nouns when they
come after linking verbs: am, is, are, was,
were, be, been, being
Ex. Eric’s favorite activity is playing tennis.
Ex. My hobby is riding a bike.
Hint
Hint: When a gerund/gerund phrase comes
after a linking verb, it is usually a predicate
noun.
Ex. My dog’s favorite thing is playing with socks.
What is the Gerund’s function?
Appositive, subject, object of the preposition,
direct object, indirect object, predicate noun.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
My dog’s hobby is chewing on shoes.
Surfing can be dangerous.
Many kids are fond of playing Angry Birds.
I like going to movies.
My brothers gave bow hunting a try.